Originating over 1,000 years ago, Sumo incorporates elements of Shinto — the native religion of Japan. In ancient times, Sumo was performed as a ritual dedicated to the gods as a prayer for good harvests In the Edo, Sumo became regulated, with tournaments held to fund shrines and temples.

As tournament grew in popularity, the audiences transitioned from the elite to the commoners, and the sport became commercialised creating professional sumo wrestlers.

A chonmage, or the mage, is a type of traditional Japanese topknot hair style. Originally, the mage was used as a method to hold a samurai helmet steady on his head during battle, and thus it became a status symbol among Japanese society. In a traditional Edo-era mage, the top of the head is shaved. The remaining hair oiled and waxed and then tied into a small tail folded onto the top of the head - the topknot. The topknot is synonymous with the sumo wrestler who are the only remaining wearers of the mage.

Given the exclusivity of the style in modern Japan, the Sumo Association employs specialist hairdressers called tokoyama to cut and prepare sumo wrestlers' hair. The tokoyama use a blend of oils, wax and fragrances, including vanilla, which create a characteristic aroma.

The Sumo candle recreates the uniqueness of the mage aroma, paying further respect to the wider Japanese culture, with our secret blend of scared, traditional and cultural oils.

Fresh. Soft. Woody. Green.

400g natural soy candle | Approx. 60 hours burn time.

• Made in Australia

• Hand poured with care

• Vegan friendly

• Cruelty free

• Sustainable